President Declares Oklahoma Ice Storm Disaster Areas

President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster exists in areas of Oklahoma that suffered damage in winter storms at the end of January.

The declaration makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and some nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis.

The funding is for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in the counties of Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and Hughes.

Local governments and rural electric cooperatives will use the money for infrastructure repairs, debris removal and costs associated with responding to the storm.

Gov. Brad Henry made the request for federal assistance on Feb. 10. In those four counties, the ice storm resulted in an estimated $7.3 million in infrastructure damage and response costs.

“I am thankful for President Obama’s quick response,” Henry said. “This has been a particularly difficult winter for many Oklahoma communities, and so this public assistance will be especially helpful as communities continue with their recovery efforts.”

Other counties can be added to the request as additional damages are identified.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Douglas G. Mayne has been named as the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.